NSW recorded nine locally acquired cases of COVID-19 in the 24 hours to 8pm last night, with an additional six cases in returned travellers in hotel quarantine.
Eight of the locally acquired cases are linked to the Avalon cluster. Investigations continue into the source of the Avalon cluster, which now numbers 116. The source of the other locally acquired case remains under investigation.
This brings the total number of cases in NSW to 4,658 since the beginning of the pandemic.
There were 39,133 tests reported to 8pm last night, compared with the previous day’s total of 69,809.
This is an amazing effort from the community, and we continue to urge people to come forward and get tested; even if you have the mildest of symptoms.
Every person who comes forward for testing is playing an important role in helping to contain the spread of COVID-19. Testing clinics will remain open over the holiday period, including today and heading into New Year’s Day.
We also want to thank those who are self-isolating, which we appreciate is difficult at this time. However, if you are a close contact of a case, you must continue to self-isolate for 14 days since exposure, even if you receive a negative test result.
Of the new cases to 8pm last night:
NSW Health is treating 107 COVID-19 cases, none of whom are in intensive care. Most cases (99 per cent) are being treated in non-acute, out-of-hospital care, including returned travellers in the Special Health Accommodation.
COVID-19 cases linked to the Avalon cluster have visited a growing list of locations across Sydney. A full list of locations and public transport routes, and the associated public health advice, is available from the NSW Government website at Latest news and updates.
It’s vital that people keep up their guard against COVID-19 over the holiday period, by limiting social interactions where feasible and following recommended infection control practices, including physical distancing and hand hygiene.
Don’t risk passing on COVID-19 for the sake of one social gathering. If you are feeling at all unwell, or have even the mildest symptoms, stay home and don’t go to the event.
Anyone in NSW with even the mildest symptoms, such as headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat or runny nose, is asked to come forward immediately for testing, then isolate until they receive a negative result.
There are more than 320 COVID-19 testing locations across NSW, many of which are open seven days a week. To find your nearest clinic visit COVID-19 clinics or contact your GP.
Note: Case counts reported for a particular day may vary over time due to ongoing investigations and case review. *notified from 8pm 24 December 2020 to 8pm 25 December 2020 **from 8pm 19 December 2020 to 8pm 25 December 2020